Trump Blames Neighbors And Classmates For School Shooter’s Violence

The president suggested in an early morning tweet that students and others could have done more to prevent the incident.

Following his initial offering of "thoughts and prayers", President Donald Trump tweeted that the man responsible for Wednesday's shooting at a Florida high school appeared to be "mentally disturbed" and said, "Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!”

Authorities said Nikolas Cruz, 19, opened fire Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., killing 17 and wounding many others. Cruz was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.

The Miami Herald reported that the suspect previously attended the school, and had been flagged as a potential threat. Cruz was reportedly kicked out of school after he brought ammunition with him in his backpack, and spoke frequently about guns and knives.